She's been doing public service announcements for the agency for three years, some recreating her TV role as Patty and Cathy Lane. Last year, Duke teamed up with the surviving cast members William Schallert (Poppo), Paul O'Keefe (Ross) and Eddie Applegate (Richard) for an additional set of spots.

"It was as if we've been doing it all these years," she said of getting back with her "Patty Duke Show" cast.

This year, she crossed the universe and teamed up with George Takei to encourage people of all ages to "Boldly Go" to www.socialsecurity.gov.

"It's so easy, even Capt. Kirk can do it," she said in the video.

Duke said Commissioner Michael J. Astrue was the impetus in getting her to do the spots.

And it was a phone call that caused her to pause, she said.

"We got a call from the Social Security Administration," she said. "I wasn't sure what it was about; what did I do?"

However, it was a good call.

"It turned out the commissioner was inviting me to be part of the campaign, to resurrect Patty and Cathy," she said.

"She's a Hollywood legend and an American treasure who reaches a very important milestone today," he said in a statement. "True to form, she is the one giving us the birthday present by showing her fellow baby boomers the easiest way to apply for benefits."

In the three years since Duke has volunteered her time with Social Security, millions of people have visited the agency's website and the percentage of online retirements has more than doubled.

"I was pleased to have a way to give back ... to say thank you," she said. "I urge my fellow baby boomers to go online to socialsecurity.gov. If you're not sure how to get started on the computer, ask a loved one to help you out.

"It was so simple."

She said she didn't realize turning 65 and applying for the benefits would be such a "momentous occasion." But it does have its plus side.

"I made it," Duke said. "I didn't croak too soon."

Meanwhile, as the video ends, Mike yells from the background, "You're retired!! Yay!!"